The Day I Went Missing, My Parents Celebrated

In the middle of the night, Buster, the dog who always kept me company while I collected plastic bottles, was hit by a car running a red light.

Looking at Buster lying in a pool of blood, my whole body went numb. Shaking, I dialed Helen’s number.

"Helen, Buster got hit by a car..."

Before I could even finish, her screaming voice blasted through the receiver, cutting me off.

"Where the hell are you, you useless brat? It’s the middle of the night! Why aren't you sleeping instead of ruining my rest? How old are you? Can't you just let me have one peaceful night?!"